Tena koutou katoa,
Thank you very much to all our members who linked into the zoom meeting last night. 24 of us joined the meeting which started with general greetings and chat as members slowly linked in. A few glitches here and there but nothing serious and everyone was able to take part. My thanks to Ian Fox and his on-the-job training for us, we all learned a few very helpful tips around the protocols of a successful Zoom meeting. Amazing images of hands up, clap hands, smiles etc!!
Geoff gave us an update on Bookarama (later in this Keyway) and the changes that have been made to accommodate Covid. We are very fortunate to have been able to work with the Howick RSA and they have been most supportive in giving us access to their currently vacant building. It is always rewarding to see community groups work together for the benefit of the wider community. All things being equal, and Covid being contained, Bookarama should go ahead this year but with a different time frame.
Sally Fletcher gave us a very interesting and lively “thumbnail” of her life. What an interesting life she has had. Quite the adventuress is our Sally. She started her working life as a Traffic Officer no less !!! not the most popular of professions. She was in fact the first woman “traffic cop” in the Waikato, not always easy I wouldn’t think in a male dominated job, but Sally was, and is not easily intimidated! From here Sally had a variety of roles and jobs including doing her OE. Her jobs ranged from computer work, to nannying, to running a timber yard, and studying design architecture, renovating houses (she has almost completed her current home here in Howick) before finally ending up in her current position back with the Police. Before Sally came back to Howick to live, she lived in Taupo and while there she became interested in Shelter Boxes, she actually was sent to the UK to train, and this interest in Shelter Boxes led her to Rotary which is definitely our gain.
Thank you Sally, a very enlightening snap shot into your interesting and very varied life!!
Finally, an update on future meetings. I am of the view that it is really important for us as club to maintain contact within whatever forum is available to us, but I also believe that the face-to-face meetings, interaction with that in mind Mike Abercrombie has organised for us to have use of the Masonic Lodge Club Rooms when we get to Level 2. The Lodge is fully compliant with Covid 19 restrictions at all levels so we will be able to have our meetings in an environment that meets all requirements. You will be able to BYO, and John S and I are investigating some food options, but it will not be a full meal as level 2 does not allow us to do this within our meeting space. We have booked the space from 11th October through until 22nd November at this stage. Meetings will be on 2nd and 4th MONDAY of the month not Tuesday. This is only for the time we are unable to access the Howick Club. Once we go to Level 1 we will return to Tuesdays at the Howick Club. In the meantime, we will continue to conduct meetings, Club, Board and Committee, via Zoom. It will be good for us though to actually get back together as a group so fingers crossed everyone gets tested and vaccinated and we can get back to whatever our normal might be!! We will keep you all up to date as things unfold. In the meantime, stay in touch with each other, be positive and look after yourselves.
Kia tupato, kia noho haumaru
Madeleine East MNZM
President.